Ever wondered what businesses have to do to win an award from their local Chamber of Commerce or other recognition program? It’s time to look behind the curtain. Here’s a detailed explanation of small business of the year award criteria, as well as how you can make your application stand out from the rest.
The impact of winning community awards for small businesses
Appreciation programs solicit applications from businesses, oftentimes grouping them by geographic location, industry, or size, and vet them to judge which are most deserving of the prize. Regardless of your company’s size or what you sell, there’s likely an organization looking for businesses like yours.
Gaining recognition as outstanding allows the business to approach consumers from the strongest possible position. The trophy, plaque, or certificate you’ve earned verifies that you offer exceptional value not just because you say so, but because an independent panel of evaluators has found this to be true. Impressed, new customers are more likely to believe the assertions in your marketing materials and start showing up on your doorstep in droves.
Indeed, research indicates that winners are propelled to greater levels of success, not only becoming more profitable but also enjoying that boost long into the future. Win once, and that accomplishment can never be taken away.
Additionally, this research suggests that earning accolades has a positive impact on employees, who feel seen and appreciated. This does wonders for company culture and encourages teams to reaffirm their commitment to their work going forward. This brand awareness strategy not only boosts job satisfaction but also doubles as an effective employee retention program.
Pick the right award categories
There are tons of possible awards to apply to, so you will need to be selective and only choose the programs that are most aligned with your company’s strengths. It’s advisable to take plenty of time to consider the innovative initiatives, important benchmarks, and significant client outcomes that your team accomplished in the previous year.
For instance, ask yourself questions like:
- What has your leadership achieved that once seemed impossible?
- In what ways has your business demonstrated operational excellence that can serve as a role model for other organizations?
- What substantial indicators of growth or development has your business attained?
- In what other ways has your team brought the spirit of enterprise to life?
- How has your team contributed to your local community?
Next, survey prominent organizations that give out prizes each year, such as the Stevie Awards, which lists dozens of categories and subcategories for every conceivable aspect of professional involvement. Alternatively, consider the National Small Business Administration’s awards program, which recognizes the owners of exceptional small businesses across the U.S. Look for programs that dovetail with what your company does best.
Granted, many of these annual competitions have already closed for submissions regarding work done in 2024. However, other contests remain open year-round. That means it’s never too late to become a nominee.
Your research isn’t done, however — before assembling your file, budget plenty of time for understanding what should go in it.
Business of the year award criteria: Learn from past winners
Every honors program is different, as is every judge. Therefore, it’s crucial to thoroughly research the specific requirements of each competition and adhere strictly to them.
It’s also advisable to learn from previous winners. The organizations that sponsor these contests proudly present their winners on their websites and will even announce their reasons for their selections. Pay close attention to this reasoning, since it effectively gives you a roadmap to what their committee is looking for. You will want to pattern your own dossier along the same lines.
Now it’s time to craft the strongest application possible.
Tips for making the strongest case on your nomination form
In general, many contest assessors are looking for the same things: hard evidence of real accomplishments. This proof can come in many forms. Query your spreadsheets and data warehouses for statistics that illustrate what your team has achieved. Ask your clients to provide testimonials about the positive impact your business has had on them. The same goes for your business partners.
Don’t forget the power of storytelling. In addition to marshalling facts to your cause, give a full account of the surrounding circumstances. Everyone loves an underdog, so don’t shy away from explaining the various challenges that your enterprise has successfully overcome to get where it is today.
Nominate your business for a 2025 small business award!
Whether large or small, emerging victorious in business, industry, or professional competitions can help your company differentiate itself and gain a competitive advantage, boosting sales while improving staff morale and operations at the same time.
Applicants are the only ones who get the chance to win, so make 2025 the year you nominate your founder, team, or outstanding employees. Bring home the prestige: awards recognize companies just like yours!
